Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have been (lovingly) roped into running the Sheffield 10k run on Sunday 29th September, which is quite a feat for me as someone who as never so much as run a 5k race in my life!

I will be doing this not only to challenge myself, but to raise money for two local charities very close to my heart, the Sheffield Samaritans (using this page) and Weston Park Cancer Charity (you can read more about this here). I'd be so grateful if you could take a couple of minutes to read why, and spare a few pennies to help support the cause!

Why I am fundraising for Sheffield Samaritans

Samaritans offers free, non-judgmental support and a kind listening ear to anyone going through a tough time. We provide space for people to work through problems, make their own decisions, and really feel heard and understood - how often can we say we are given that opportunity in every life? For many, we are quite literally a lifeline.

There are more than 200 Samaritans branches throughout the UK which are run by thousands of dedicated volunteers day and night, and yet it may surprise you to know that most branches must raise their own funds to keep it all running - from training new volunteers to keeping the the lights and the phone-lines running.

I have been volunteering as a Samaritans Listener since 2021, and can honestly say it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. To hold a safe, confidential space for people and be trusted to have a small window into their lives and their thoughts is truly a privilege. I see day in and day out how valauble this service is to people, and with mental health services stretched like never before and bleak suicide statistics continuing, it's so important we remain able to support our callers.

Me and a group of colleagues from the Sheffield Samaritans volunteer team will be running together at the Sheffield 10k to raise money for our branch, and we would be so grateful if you could support us. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. And if you are there on race day, I can also confirm that jelly beans and hoots of motivation will also be greatly appreciated!

Thank you x

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If you ever find you're struggling with anything in life and need to contact Samaritans for a friendly and non-judgemental listening ear, please reach out. The phone number (free to call and available 24/7) is 116 123 and the email address is jo@samaritans.org.

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